When we think of Eiichiro Oda’s extensive epic One Piece, we picture a vivid world filled with unique characters, each with distinctive personalities. But ever guessed from where did Oda take the inspiration for these characters? Well, One Piece‘s characters are based on lots of unusual sources, among them a prominent example is Sanji.
Sanji’s charm has earned him a legion of fans worldwide, but what many may not know is that his creation stems from a bizarre yet fascinating source: Steve Buscemi’s character of Mr. Pink in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic, Reservoir Dogs. With this revelation, Oda debunked a common speculation that the character was modeled after Leonardo DiCaprio instead.
How Steve Buscemi’s Mr. Pink Shaped Sanji’s Identity in One Piece
While fans and Eiichiro Oda’s coworkers alike have long speculated that Sanji’s character might have been designed after Leonardo DiCaprio’s character from Romeo + Juliet film, Oda refuted the claim in an interview by stating that Steve Buscemi’s slick and enigmatic demeanor in Quentin Tarantino’s directorial debut was the core influence behind Sanji. In his own words,
People used to guess DiCaprio a lot in the past. But the truth is that Sanji has a much more unusual model. I might not go as far as to say, “model”, but I hoped to have a bit of this person’s vibes come through. It’s Steve Buscemi, as he appeared in the movie “Reservoir Dogs”.
Released in 1992, Quentin Tarantino‘s Reservoir Dogs was a game-changer for independent cinema. The film instantly established Tarantino as a visionary director with its sharp dialogue, non-linear storytelling, and powerful character dynamics.
Particularly, Steve Buscemi’s portrayal of Mr. Pink as a fast-talking and cunning professional criminal stood out among the cast. His street-smart personality, combined with his sarcastic wit and sense of cool, made him a fan favorite despite his morally ambiguous role.
Although Sanji’s personality doesn’t fully resemble Mr. Pink, it definitely conveys a similar vibe. For Eiichiro Oda, this character of Buscemi became a wellspring of inspiration when crafting the outward charm of Sanji; one of One Piece‘s most beloved characters.
Western Cinema’s Influence on One Piece
While Sanji’s character owes much to Mr. Pink, Oda has added additional details to make him more than just a homage. Unlike Mr. Pink, who remains morally ambiguous throughout Reservoir Dogs, Sanji’s moral compass is firm when it comes to protecting his friends and upholding his chivalrous code. But still, Sanji’s connection to Reservoir Dogs is just one example of how Western films have shaped Oda’s storytelling in One Piece.
It’s not only Sanji that was based on a character from Western cinema. Franky from One Piece was also designed after Jim Carrey’s character from Ace Ventura, and similarly, Robin was modeled after Mia Wallace from another Tarantino film Pulp Fiction. These inspirations highlight the fascinating interplay between Eastern and Western storytelling.
As we continue to celebrate the rich tapestry of One Piece, it’s worth acknowledging the global influences that helped shape its world. Whether you’re a fan of Tarantino’s gritty crime dramas or Oda’s high-seas adventures, the story of how Sanji and others came to be is evidence of the power of creative influences and the universality of great characters.
One Piece is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll. And Reservoir Dogs is available to watch on Apple TV.
